8 Best 2020 Convertibles

The most exciting open-top cars of MY 2020

Despite often being as practical as a car wash in the middle of Death Valley, convertibles are an inseparable part of our daily dose of cool and exciting cars. There’s just something about that summer breeze and wind wrecking your hair that resonates with every car enthusiast out there. Maybe it triggers our inner yearning for freedom and/or our desire to escape the inhumanely fast-paced reality, but convertibles have often had that calming yet blood-pumping effect on almost every driver that’s ever roamed a curvy picturesque coastline road. Psychology aside, though, open-tops are often some of the most exciting cars available across the global markets. Needless to say, they’ll remain to be so for as long as the aforementioned urges keep motivating the inner driver in each and every one of us. Here are what we consider to be the most exciting and arguably the best 2020 convertibles we can expect to see.

08. 2020 BMW 8 Series

The long-awaited BMW 8 Series has finally made a comeback after what’s been an almost two-decade-long hiatus. After the BMW flagship model’s coupe version debuted in November 2018, the convertible is scheduled to arrive in time for MY 2020. The original 8 Series that was in production between 1989 and 1999 was only ever available as a 2-door coupe, but the new 8 Series will – aside from the convertible – also be available as a 4-door gran coupe later on. Like the initial 2-door coupe, the 8 Series soft-top rides on the BMW CLAR modular platform. Considering the Germans decided to go soft on the 8 Series convertible’s roof, weight savings will be significant. At the same time, the 8 Series drop-top will retain all of its coupe siblings’ convenience and tech gear, albeit at a greater price. The entry-level BMW M850i coupe costs a staggering $111,900 which means its roofless sibling will likely start from between $115,000 and $120,000.

The BMW 8 Series convertible will share the coupe’s engine as well. The powerful 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 in question is capable of putting up 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque with ease. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be standard alongside an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Although lighter, the convertible will likely be limited in terms of both the top speed and acceleration. At least when compared to the conventional 8 Series Coupe. At the moment, there is no news on the extended 8 Series’ powertrain lineup, but the Bavarians will hardly miss an opportunity to do just that. However, a possible 6-cylinder or a more powerful M-spec V8 are most likely not going to make it during 2020. Regardless, the 2020 BMW 8 Series cabriolet will be sufficiently interesting, even with just one available powertrain.

07. 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Although the 2020 Mazda Miata probably isn’t going anywhere in terms of major updates – especially after receiving a power bump for MY 2019 – one of the most popular affordable sports cars in history doesn’t even have to be fresh in order to be cool. The fourth-generation Miata ND is as fresh today as it was when it came out back in 2015. What’s more, after the recent introduction of the Miata RF, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 can now be ordered in both a soft-top and retractable fastback hard-top forms. For the first time ever, the Miata comes with a modern telescoping steering column. Also new for MY 2019 is a now-mandatory rearview camera and new exhaust system. Needless to say, all of the aforementioned equipment will carry over into 2020 as well. The 2020 Miata still handles like a champ while offering unparalleled driving dynamics in a package that’s tons of fun. Prices for conventional convertibles start from around $25,500, whereas the RF models cost at least $32,500.

The biggest news when it comes to the new Miata, as already mentioned above, is the new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which further increases the sports car’s appeal by providing additional punch. With 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, the new MX-5 now boasts 26 ponies and a meager 3 lb-ft more than the outgoing model, which makes it the most powerful Miata ever produced. The new engine is also revving at a higher redline. Instead of 6,800 rpm, it’ll now max out at 7,500 rpm. Like before, the beloved Japanese compact sports car is available with both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission which route its newfound power to the rear wheels. The Japanese have once again hit that sweet spot of pure driver’s pleasure and relative affordability. The only thing the Miata convertible lacks is practicality but, then again, it was never meant to be practical anyway.

06. 2020 Lexus LC

The LC coupe that stems from the LF-C2 concept car is currently sitting at the top of the Lexus lineup all by itself. It won’t be lonely for long since the Japanese luxury automaker is working on a Cabrio version of their best-performing car. Scheduled to appear by 2020, the Lexus LC convertible will be pitted against the likes of Audi R8 Spyder and Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster. Of course, it’ll fall short both in terms of performance and refinement, but its German competitors are way pricier at the same time. In other words, the LC convertible will be an archetype Lexus in terms of value for money. Considering the fact the LC coupe starts from $92,000 ($96,500 for the hybrid), the upcoming drop-top will likely warrant a sticker just shy of the $100,000 mark. Of course, additional equipment and more refined interior bits should easily push it into six-digit territory.

The 2020 Lexus LC convertible will share its coupe sibling’s powertrain. Their 5.0L V8 is capable of making 471 horses and 398 pound-feet of rotational force – all of which are routed to the rear via a contemporary 10-speed automatic transmission with magnesium-made paddle shifters. The LC 500h hybrid, on the other hand, combines a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack for a net hybrid output of 354 ponies and 369 lb-ft of torque. The upcoming LC Cabrio should be made available in both forms. What’s more, the Japanese are also apparently working on a performance version of both the LC coupe and upcoming convertible. Dubbed the LC F, of course, it should trade in the conventional models’ 5.0L naturally aspirated V8 for a twin-turbocharged V8 of a smaller displacement. That setup should be good enough for around 600 horsepower, and while it’ll raise the LC’s price tag by a considerable amount, it’ll also bring it to a stone’s throw away in regard to its competitors’ respective outputs.

05. 2020 Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2

The illustrious Ferrari Monza nameplate stems back from the early fifties when the Italian automaker still valued racing over profit. After more than 60 years, the Monza returns seamlessly unchanged. The 2-door Barchetta body style is still here and represents the ultimate throwback to the golden era of racing when legends like Sterling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Alberto Ascari ruled the tracks. Don’t let their smallish oval frame fool you, though. The Monza SP1 and SP2 are highly technologically advanced which is evidenced by their state-of-the-art aluminum chassis borrowed from the Ferrari 812 Superfast and carbon fiber body. The former weighs 3,300 pounds, while the latter adds another 45 pounds of additional seat weight. As their names suggest, they sport just enough seats for one or two people respectively. The Monza SP1 and SP2 will be the first of many upcoming special throwback Ferrari editions filed under the “Icona” series. Needless to say, they’ll be extremely limited in numbers and correspondingly expensive, but the exact figures are yet to be disclosed.

Although the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 open-tops exhibit a small and lightweight sports car demeanor, there’s nothing small about their powertrain. Also taken from the 812 Superfast, the Monzas draw breath thanks to a 6.5L V12 capable of making 789 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of twist. At least that’s what it makes in the donor model. The Ferrari Monza official specs are yet to be confirmed. Much like the donor car, however, we know the Monza will offer a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as its standard gearbox. The final product should be able to hit 60 mph from a standstill in less than 3 seconds, although its top speed probably won’t go further than 180 mph. Highly exclusive – yes – but still one of the best 2020 convertibles we can expect to see.

04. 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder

Despite a number of different iterations of the more affordable of two Lamborghini supercars appearing in a few short year’s it’s been on the market, the Huracán still hasn’t been properly refreshed. This is about to change soon as facelifted models are about to reset the current Huracán lineup that goes six models deep. The upcoming 2020 Lamborghini Huracán will, however, remain available in both the coupe and spyder convertible forms. The redesigned Huracán Spyder will borrow much from the most expensive and most powerful Performante models. At least in terms of design, which is definitely more aggressive in Performante form. This goes for all the air inlets, the rear diffuser, and two large exhaust tips at the back. Other than that, the Italians will likely bump up the carbon fiber percentage in the Huracán’s body panels without changing much underneath.

Currently available in three different tunes, the updated Lamborghini Huracán will likely drop the top-performing model. At least for a year before the Performante makes a comeback with even more power than it initially had. In that respect, the 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Spyder should be available in 610-4 all-wheel drive and 580-2 rear-wheel drive forms which, as their names would suggest, develop 602 hp and 572 hp (610 and 580 metric horsepower) respectively. The Huracán’s 5.2L V10 will also likely retain its ties with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission since there’s still no confirmation of an upgraded unit. The refreshed convertible Huracán should be priced slightly above the current models which start from around $220,000 for the rear and $260,000 for the all-wheel drive.

03. 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Roadster

A successor to the modern iteration of the iconic gullwing 300 SL – the AMG GT R is finally getting ready to become a drop-top. Not only that, but it’ll also get a number of new coupe versions as well, including the high-performance (as if the AMG GT R wasn’t quite a performer already) Black Series. The GT R roadster should mix the best bits of the GT S convertible and GT R coupe in order to offer the most potent AMG GT package possible in convertible form. Like the remainder of its GT siblings, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GT R Roadster will also sport some of the most advanced technology features available in the auto industry nowadays. As far as the GT convertible alone goes, the GT Cabriolet will share their three-layered automated soft-top which is held in place by a corresponding three-layered aluminum, magnesium and steel frame.

Once again, like the remainder of its AMG GT siblings, the GT R Roadster will sport a hand-crafted 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 mill under the bonnet. Unlike the majority of its siblings, however, the GT R convertible will crank up as much as 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. If the Germans don’t decide to push the limits even further and give the most potent road-legal AMG GT iteration a power bump, that is. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GT R cabriolet should be able to hit 60 mph from a standing start in around 3.5 seconds and max out almost at 200 mph. It will also retain its 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission that’s working like clockwork in current models, and likely warrant a price tag of at least around $170,000 when it finally arrives sometimes during MY 2020.

02. 2020 Bentley Continental GT

The all-new Conti GT has just recently entered production as a 2+2 coupe. Although the new Continental’s lineup doesn’t feature a convertible at the moment, a drop-top is indeed scheduled to make an appearance sometime during MY 2020 or even late MY 2019. The third-generation Continental GT convertible will borrow its stunning coupe’s looks and become – not only one of the best 2020 convertibles around – but also one of the best and most beautiful luxury cars 2020 will have to offer. The Conti GT cabrio’s cabin will also be one of the more stunning environments currently available on the market thanks to a loads of natural leather and wood that are seamlessly integrated with the high-tech gadgets such as a large revolving 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The second-generation Continental GT convertibles are still available for anywhere between $220,000 and $320,000 depending on a chosen trim, but expect the next-gen models to get a few-percentage-increase in price.

The new Bentley Continental GT coupe retains a twin-turbo W12 engine setup, but its 6.0L unit is rather fresh and borrowed from the Bentayga. It’s lighter than the old version, sports a port and direct fuel injection, and a dual-mass flywheel, and generates 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist – 44 ponies and 133 lb-ft more than the outgoing W12. The upcoming convertible models will initially be offered with the same power output before the more powerful Speed and Supersports iterations arrive later on. Furthermore, the upcoming Bentley Continental GT convertibles should also be offered in a package with a smaller twin-turbo V8 engine as well, but this option too will only arrive at a later date. Initially, the future Conti GT convertible owners will have to settle for a mid-range W12 trim.

01. 2020 Porsche 911

Arguably any list of best convertibles out there wouldn’t be complete without a 2-door Porsche cabriolet. The company’s most coveted 2-door sports car, the 911, is entering its eighth-generation during MY 2020, and makes for a perfect choice to round off this best 2020 convertibles countdown. Internally designated the 992, the next-gen Porsche 911 will, as expected, retain the 911’s timeless overall design, but it will still ride on a platform that’s been heavily modified compared to the outgoing 911. The major difference between the two, in terms of design, is the Porsche’s newly adopted one-piece tail-light. Other than that, the next-gen models will also sport a heavily revised interior with a new infotainment system. Like before, the 911 convertibles will be available in both the conventional soft-top and targa top configurations.

The upcoming 2020 Porsche 911 convertibles will share the engines with their coupe counterparts for the most part. Only the track-focused GT2 and GT3 variants will sport the most powerful of performance packages exclusive to the coupe form, but they’re not scheduled to appear anytime soon, anyway. The conventional Carrera models will start out with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L flat-six engine that’s currently making 370, 420, and 450 horsepower in the base, S, and GTS forms respectively. It’s expected that the next-gen models will see these figures increased to some extent. The 911 Turbo, on the other hand, should offer a more potent 3.8L twin-turbo flat-six, but that powertrain is till questionable at the moment. Considering how most manufacturers are going all-out electric and hybrid these days, it wouldn’t surprise us if the next-gen Porsche 911 went through some sort of an electrification process – even if it’s only a mild-hybrid starter generator. Expect even the most affordable of Porsche 911 Carrera convertibles to start from north of $100,000 while the most expensive Turbo S cabriolets shouldn’t be available for any less than $200,000.

Despite driving a piece of junk, Nikola still manages to survive the harrowing experience called "A road trip in a Yugo," day in, day out. On the other hand, precious few things move him as muscle cars do. Especially those from the bygone golden era, which makes him wonder why wasn't he born a few decades earlier? Well, at least he's been given the opportunity to enjoy the likes of the Pontiak Aztek, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Fiat Multipla, and other lovely millennials, right? Come to think of it, I'll stick with my Yugo. Thank you very much.

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